Yes, and yes. He's also only jobbed to Rocky Golden, who was already a main event babyface, with nearly the same popularity. Even without him being my avatar, Cornell's personality would see him accept this booking without complaint.

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Joey Minnesota and KC Glenn defeated C-V-2 in 7:41 when Joey Minnesota defeated Casey Valentine by pinfall with an Empire Spiral.65

In a bout that had solid in-ring action but non-existent crowd heat, Genghis Rahn defeated Edward Cornell in 6:44 by pinfall with a Rahn To The Hills.55

Backstage: Danny Fonzarelli and Jay Chord

The Doctor of Love is doing interviewing duties today, and Jay Chord makes no attempt to hide his disdain that this — THIS — is what his wrestling dream — his wrestling destiny — looks like, at this moment. Chord will be going one-on-one with Koshiro Ino, on tonight's program, and despite his string of losses, he intends to beat the Kobra just like his daddy beat Hooded Kudo, in America and Japan.

60

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Joshua Taylor and Joel Bryant defeated The Canadian Animals in 9:39 when Joshua Taylor defeated Edd Stone by submission with a Butterfly Lock.73

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Live on GNN Total Sports

All Action Championship
Flying Jimmy Foxx (c) vs. Jacob Jett

TCW's newest high flyer gets his chance to make history, against Total Wrestling's resident dancer, and while he strings together some impressive offence, on the ground and in the air, when Jimmy Foxx gets the crowd behind him, and locks it in gear, it's all over.

In a bout that had solid in-ring action but non-existent crowd heat, Flying Jimmy Foxx defeated Jacob Jett in 6:47 by pinfall with a Flying Foxx. Flying Jimmy Foxx makes defence number 6 of his TCW All Action title.52

Another tall order for Twin Gauge, and another promising outing turned to ash, as for all their obvious ability, the Gauge boys don't yet have an answer for the size, strength, and dirty tricks of Texas Buffalo.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Texas Buffalo defeated Twin Gauge in 7:15 when Texas Pete defeated Matt Gauge by pinfall with a Lone Star Drop.63

The Concept talk about getting a title shot at The War To Settle The Score, and how Floyd Goldworthy said they didn't deserve it. Sure, they'd only had one match as a team in TCW, at that point, but it was a dream match 6 years in the making, against The Machines. If Texas Buffalo feels they don't deserve it, then they can bring their titles to the ring and show it. Put your money where your mouth is, because that's exactly what The Concept is going to do.

In a separate promo, RDJ & Rocky Golden talk about teaming up to face The Syndicate, in tonight's main event. Minnesota says that he's heard Rick Law intends to be at ringside, so you'd best believe he'll be there, as well. If Law wants a fight, Minnesota will be happy to engage in a little police brutality.

78

The New Wave (Guide & Scout) vs. Harry Allen & Steve Flash

Flash & Allen are both seasoned competitors, one in the indies, and one in the TCW ranks, but for all their merits, they are simply no match for The New Wave.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The New Wave defeated Steve Flash and Harry Allen in 6:59 when Guide defeated Steve Flash by pinfall with a Wave Of Mutilation.73

Andrews' last challenger swaps out for his next challenger, in otherwise a rematch from last week. New is that Giant Tana & Chance Fortune have formalized themselves as a new team, with Andrews not feeling he can be a true partner for Fortune, with his singles commitments. All that said, The Machines come into this match spoiling for a fight, feeling embarrassed by last week's loss, and when paired with the hot hand of Troy Tornado, they get the revenge they were looking for.

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Troy Tornado and The Machines defeated Aaron Andrews and The Pacific Connection in 7:42 when John Anderson defeated Chance Fortune by pinfall with an Ammo Dump.77

Koshiro Ino vs. Jay Chord

After weathering the storm of the Kobra's power, Jay Chord takes control with his unquestioned skill and seamless grace. He looks to have everything in hand, closing in on the big breakthrough victory that he's been looking for, but as always seems to be the case, he manages to slip on a banana peel, snatching defeat from the jaws of certain victory.

In a bout that featured great action but not much in the way of heat, Koshiro Ino defeated Jay Chord in 10:09 by pinfall with a Kobra's Bite.79

Sammy Bach vs. Bryan Vessey

Bach has been plagued by Eddie Peak, but still refuses to let it disrupt his focus, and he came at Vessey with everything he has. Bryan Vessey, for his part, was locked right in, making this a very intense match. Vessey grounded, pounded, and stretched Bach, but as he does so well, the dark rocker took any small opening he had, and blew it right up. As they came to a close, Bach looked in good shape for a huge victory, only for Eddie Peak to physically inject himself, behind the referee's back, feeding him straight into the waiting arms of Bryan Vessey.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Bryan Vessey defeated Sammy Bach in 10:51 by pinfall with a Super Vessey Plex.83

After the bell, Eddie Peak continued the assault, once again leaving Bach laying. Unlike last week, though, he didn't add Vessey to the body count, the two men silently sizing each other up, before Peak slowly exited the ring.

Backstage, Joshua Taylor is seen watching this on a monitor, shaking his head at having such a great match ruined. The camera zooms out to show Tracy Brendon at his side, saying that Taylor will get a chance to do something about it, because that man (Vessey) will be his opponent at The War To Settle The Score.

World Champion and challenger facing off, teamed with two men who it is announced will go one-on-one at The War To Settle The Score, while the men embroiled in the hottest blood feud in TCW stand in their respective corners. To say this got testy would be quite the understatement. Long-time TCW fans were treated to some lengthy exchanges between Cornell & RDJ, reminiscent of their many wars over the years, and everyone got their licks in, including Rick Law on the outside, sparking a brawl between he and Joey Minnesota, as the match came to the television time limit.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Ricky Dale Johnson and Rocky Golden drew with The Syndicate in 18:00 when the time limit expired.88

The bell did nothing to stop the fighting. If anything, not having the rules of a wrestling match simply let everyone cut loose, and the brawl was on in full. Officials and wrestlers emptied from the back to separate everyone.

Ricky Dale Johnson got hold of a microphone, and said that if The Syndicate and Law are itching for a fight so bad, why not do this right. How about next week, they do it for real, 3-on-3 inside a steel cage?

Wolf Hawkins begins to protest, but Tommy Cornell cuts off his protege, yelling that he isn't afraid of a fight, and that this is just another chance for The Syndicate to embarrass RDJ, just like they always do. It's on!

No way around it. My top 4 main eventers have low 80s popularity, in a company with 79 pop in America, then it falls off a cliff, with most of the roster in the 40s and 50s. Product is an even split between performance and popularity so those numbers hurt, but everyone in the midcard and lower are making steady gains. It'll come in time.

Some day, I may not even have to drive Cornell into the ground, just to prop up the show. That's the dream.

In a bout that had solid in-ring action but non-existent crowd heat, Flying Jimmy Foxx and Steve Flash defeated Edward Cornell and KC Glenn in 7:31 when Flying Jimmy Foxx defeated Edward Cornell by pinfall with a Flying Foxx.51

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Koshiro Ino defeated Jacob Jett in 8:30 by pinfall with a Kobra's Bite.65

Backstage: Shawn Doakes and C-V-2 (Cameron Vessey & Casey Valentine)

Doakes interviews C-V-2 about their match with new team, The Pacific Connection (Giant Tana & Chance Fortune), later tonight. They've heard people talk about how those two show such natural chemistry, but that's just talk. What they should be talking about is the pedigree of C-V-2, and how much experience they have teaming together, at this young age. They should be talking about THEIR chemistry, because C-V-2 is radioactive.

55

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Joel Bryant defeated Jay Chord in 9:38 by pinfall with an One Shot Drop.67

The Canadian Animals brought all their tricks, tactics, and numbers to the fight, but if there's one team in all of wrestling that knows how to go to war at a disadvantage, it's The New Wave, and they show here why they are still very much in the conversation for tag team contenders.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The New Wave defeated The Canadian Animals in 8:26 when Guide defeated Freddy Huggins by pinfall with a Guided Missile.79

Allen and the Gauge boys bring a mix of experience and youthful energy, heart and talent, but it's not enough to overcome the three mountains of man that stand across from them.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Genghis Rahn and Texas Buffalo defeated Harry Allen and Twin Gauge in 7:41 when American Buffalo defeated Greg Gauge by pinfall with The Stampede.63

A promo from Troy Tornado plays, in which he delivers another storm warning, saying that the weather has shaped and reshaped the course of nations, throughout history, and when he wins the International Championship, he'll do the same to TCW.

Danny Fonzarelli is shown strutting down a hallway, greeting everyone he passes as only the Doctor of Love can. He is stopped by the Canadian Animals, who want to know what he's smiling about, since they beat him the last time they met. With Joshua Taylor moving on to other things, they challenge Fonz to find another partner — if there even is someone desperate enough to join him — and meet them at The War To Settle The Score.

C-V-2 are true to their words, showing that they can out-match and out-class either Giant Tana or Chance Fortune. The new found magic of The Pacific Connection shines through, though, as when they get their one opening, the pair blow through their opposition, to victory.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The Pacific Connection defeated C-V-2 in 6:45 when Chance Fortune defeated Casey Valentine by pinfall with a Stroke of Luck.64

Bach certainly came into this fired up, after suffering at the hands of Vessey & Peak last week, and Taylor is a fighter looking to take that next step, but for as good as each of them looked individually, they just weren't able to come together as a team, and that cost them a world of pain. Peak and Vessey clearly weren't interested in the W, and when Bach started firing, Peak simply cracked him with a chair.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Sammy Bach and Joshua Taylor defeated Bryan Vessey and Eddie Peak in 10:42 when Eddie Peak was disqualified while fighting Sammy Bach.78

With the match no longer on the line, Peak decided to really show why he's called the Hardcore Assassin, brutalizing Bach with the chair, until the steel was so bent and broken it wasn't recognizable. Peak then set up a table, and looked to powerbomb Bach through it, but then motioned for Vessey (who had blindsided Taylor) to deliver a crushing Vessey Plex to Taylor, through the steel and wood, while Tracy Brendon could only look on helplessly.

Backstage, Kyle Rhodes is joined by Rocky Golden, who will take part in tonight's huge 6-man tag steel cage match. He's proud to stand beside the Freedom Fighters, in that battle, and promises not to let them or the fans down. He'll also be facing Tommy Cornell one-on-one at The War To Settle The Score, and looks forward to putting himself right back in the title hunt. There's nothing he'd like more than to be interviewed by Rhodes again in two weeks, about facing Ricky Dale Johnson for the World Heavyweight Championship.

A treat for TCW fans, with another look at the dream match between The Concept and The Machines, with International champion and challenger as their respective partners. The match featured lots of mat wrestling, supplemented by punishing suplexes from Anderson, aerial maneuvers from Benson, the all around gung ho stylings of Andrews, and Troy Tornado's dirty tricks and psychology. In the end, the babyfaces rose to the occasion, and Andrews put Hill away with his patented Flying Body Press.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Aaron Andrews and The Concept defeated Troy Tornado and The Machines in 12:27 when Aaron Andrews defeated Brent Hill by pinfall with a Flying Body Press.83

The Syndicate and Rick Law cut a promo for tonight's steel cage main event. Hawkings still seems apprehensive about taking this match, but Cornell and Law are locked and loaded, so the World Champ tried not to show any weakness. Cornell promises to lead his men to victory.

A video vignette plays for Koshiro Ino, narrated by announcer Shawn Doakes. The Kobra is primed to strike.

An absolute war. Wolf Hawkins was the first to escape the cage, followed shortly after by Rocky Golden.

2-on-2, the Freedom Fighters get their opponents down, and look to leave the cage together, to ensure they don't fall to the numbers game. Joey Minnesota hesitates, though, to deliver one last parting shot to Rick Law, but this allows Cornell to trip him up, just as Ricky Dale Johnson hits the floor.

Now 2-on-1, Cornell and Law press the advantage, but when Minnesota stuns Cornell, and turns to face Law straight up, the policeman turns tail and runs right out of the cage.

Cornell and Minnesota battle it out, and Minnesota gains the upper hand. He starts to climb out, but Rick Law jumps up the outside of the cage, in the same spot, finding just enough room between the bars to slide in a pair of handcuffs, locking Minnesota in place. RDJ and Golden clear the area, and frantically struggle to get their partner free, but it is to no avail, as Tommy Cornell crawls out the door to secure the victory.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Rick Law and The Syndicate defeated Rocky Golden and Freedom Fighters in a Cage match in 19:31 when Tommy Cornell escaped the cage.89

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Troy Tornado and Genghis Rahn defeated KC Glenn and Edward Cornell in 8:09 when Troy Tornado defeated Edward Cornell by pinfall with a Star Maker.61

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The New Wave defeated Harry Allen and Flying Jimmy Foxx in 9:06 when Scout defeated Harry Allen by submission with a Special Force.72

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Koshiro Ino and Joel Bryant drew with The Canadian Animals in 10:00 when the time limit expired.76

The two youngest teams in TCW team with two men who will go one-on-one at The War To Settle The Score, Joshua Taylor & Bryan Vessey. C-V-2, of course, contains Bryan Vessey's nephew, and perhaps it's this familiarity that tips the match in their favour. Whatever the catalyst, the elder Vessey sends an emphatic message to his PPV opponent, by utilizing the top rope version of his finisher for the victory.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Bryan Vessey and C-V-2 defeated Joshua Taylor and Twin Gauge in 7:58 when Bryan Vessey defeated Greg Gauge by pinfall with a Super Vessey Plex.69

Steve Flash vs. Jacob Jett

Two men at opposite ends of the age spectrum, yet both early in their TCW career, who were unsuccessful in All Action title challenges, look to get back in the championship picture. Steve Flash certainly has the ability to compete in Total Wrestling, but it seems that his opportunity may have simply come too late, as the young high flyer is able to pick up his first televised victory in TCW.

In a bout that had solid in-ring action but non-existent crowd heat, Jacob Jett defeated Steve Flash in 6:24 by pinfall with a Jett Take Off.59

The Machines teaming with arguably the most talented second-generation wrestler the sport has ever seen certainly gives them the edge on paper, but the friendship and chemistry of the L.A./Pacific Connection balances the scales. In the end, it didn't come down to any of them, as Andrews' challenger this Sunday, Troy Tornado, came to ringside to intervene. It didn't quite go as planned, as Tornado inadvertently struck Jay Chord, leaving him wide open for Aaron Andrews to take it home.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Aaron Andrews and The Pacific Connection defeated Jay Chord and The Machines in 7:46 when Aaron Andrews defeated Jay Chord by pinfall with a Flying Body Press.76

Andrews gets on the microphone, after the match, and tells the retreating Troy Tornado that he hopes Tornado has some better tricks up his sleeve than that, or else he'd better prepare to have his storm warning cancelled.

Jumping backstage, The Canadian Animals approach Danny Fonzarelli, making fun of the Doctor of Love, saying he's had a week to find a partner, and yet he's standing all alone. After a minute of this, Fonzarelli simply points over their shoulders, revealing none other than The Kobra, Koshiro Ino, much to the Animals' chagrin.

Eddie Peak is no stranger to teaming with American Buffalo, having run together in a stable early in their respective TCW careers, and combined with Texas Pete, they form the scariest trio we've seen in action all year. Sammy Bach certainly isn't slouching, bringing in The Concept as partners, for this double-preview match. Bach & The Concept get their licks in, to be sure, but with a timely assist from Floyd Goldworthy, Greg Black falls victim of the Hardcore Assassin.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Eddie Peak and Texas Buffalo defeated Sammy Bach and The Concept in 10:56 when Eddie Peak defeated Greg Black by pinfall with a Peak Of Perfection.74

With Texas Buffalo putting up the road block, Eddie Peak looks to continue the assault, but Sammy Bach shows that he can get hardcore, too, reminding Peak and everyone else that he also made his name in DAVE's extreme environment. Swinging a chair wildly, he gets Goldworthy to call Texas Buffalo into full retreat, then flies into the ring. Peak puts up a big boot to cut him off at the pass, but Bach ducks himself and the chair out of the way, hits the ropes, and launches himself and the steel full throttle into Eddie Peak's face, sending him all the way to the floor. Bach stands tall, heading into The War To Settle The Score.

Backstage, Joey Minnesota talks about his match with Tommy Cornell tonight, and No DQ against Rick Law on Sunday. He doesn't hold last week's cage match against Cornell; he just did what he always does, which is let others fight his battles, to maintain his place on top. Rick Law is the one that needs to pay for his crimes, and at The War To Settle The Score, Joey Minnesota is... well, just what the show's name says.

79

Ricky Dale Johnson & Rocky Golden vs. Wolf Hawkins & Rick Law

While not in the confines of a cage, this week, RDJ and Golden approached this match as just as much a brawl and a war. Hawkins used his all-around attack to disrupt whenever possible, and Law reminded everyone that his fists are deadly weapons, making this a very even contest, and a hot brawl throughout. In the end, Golden was able to neutralize Law's attempt at a double team, leaving Johnson to pin the champion clean in the middle of the ring, 5 days before their title match.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Ricky Dale Johnson and Rocky Golden defeated Wolf Hawkins and Rick Law in 17:15 when Ricky Dale Johnson defeated Wolf Hawkins by pinfall with a Southern Justice.80

Joey Minnesota vs. Tommy Cornell

21 months prior, this match headlined Total Mayhem XV, and Minnesota's only World Heavyweight title reign came to an end. While lacking the personal animosity of that day, they brought what they've learned about each other to the table, and proved once again to be mirror images of each other, in terms of fighting style. We'll never know who would be the better man on this night, as Rick Law & Wolf Hawkins injected themselves in the match, bringing RDJ & Rocky Golden out to even the odds. Wolf Hawkins, shaking off the effects of tonight's loss - and possibly fuelled by it - created just the right situation for RDJ to inadvertently knock down Golden, then drew his and the referee's attention away from the ring, allowing Rick Law to behead Minnesota with the Long Arm Of The Law. Cornell appeared torn, but then decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth, making the cover for the victory.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Tommy Cornell defeated Joey Minnesota in 17:51 by pinfall.82

As the sides separate, Golden and Johnson exchange words. RDJ gets a microphone, and says that it was an accident, but if Golden wants to get in his face about it, maybe the next one won't be. Golden says that he'll be rooting for Johnson on Sunday, because he'd like nothing more than to beat TCW's standard-bearer for the gold, in front of the whole world.

Hawkins chimes in to say that this is cute, but he feels it necessary to remind everyone that HE is the standard-bearer of TCW, not RDJ, not Rocky Golden, and not even his mentor, Tommy Cornell. If anyone has any doubt about that, just tune in to The War To Settle The Score and he'll prove it, once again.

World Heavyweight Championship
Ricky Dale Johnson vs. Wolf Hawkins (c)RDJ is still considered by many to be the standard-bearer of TCW, but it has been four long years since he's worn championship gold. On the last episode of Total Wrestling, he pinned the champion in the middle of the ring. Will that scene be repeated on Sunday, ushering renewed Southern Justice onto the stage, or will the Wolf continue to lead the pack?

International Championship
Aaron Andrews (c) vs. Troy TornadoTroy Tornado has been issuing storm warnings since his return from injury late last year, and to date he has not been pinned or made to submit. Andrews has been defending the International Championship against all comers, since winning it in October, including multiple wars with previous champion Genghis Rahn. Will Andrews' star continue to climb, in this his first International title reign, or will the Tornado live up to his word, and reshape the landscape as he chooses?

World Tag Team Championship
The Concept (Benny Benson & Greg Black) vs. Texas Buffalo (Texas Pete & American Buffalo) (c) w/Floyd GoldworthyJust one month after Greg Black's debut, and the reunion of one of the last decade's best loved teams, The Concept challenge for the World Tag Team titles. They picked up the victory over The Machines to earn this opportunity, but doubts linger that the team is back up to full strength so quickly, and Texas Buffalo have proven to be dominant champions. Can The Concept rediscover their old magic, or will Texas Buffalo's reign of terror continue.

No Disqualification
Joey Minnesota vs. Rick LawA blood feud that keeps elevating to a higher and higher level, Joey Minnesota has won both of the recent singles matches, but Rick Law and his handcuffs continue to plague Minnesota at every turn. In this no DQ environment, will Minnesota finally slay his demon for good, or has Law put himself in position to make the arrest?

Rocky Golden vs. Tommy CornellNo strangers to each other in recent years, and 2013 has been no different, as Cornell beat Golden to get into last month's World title match, but Golden picked up back-to-back pinfall victories in that elimination match, and then in a tag match on Total Wrestling. Rocky Golden has made it clear that he sees a victory here as his ticket right back into the title scene, while Cornell is always looking for an opportunity to avenge his last two title reigns ending at the hands of Golden. With so much for both to prove, which man will get his hand raised at the end of this clash of titans?

Sammy Bach vs. Eddie PeakA rematch from last month, where Sammy Bach scored an upset victory with a roll-up. Eddie Peak has gotten increasingly more brutal, interrupting matches, and launching post-match assaults on Bach at every turn, including a vicious chair barrage two weeks ago. Last week, Bach finally answered back, scoring with a steel chair of his own, to stand tall heading into this show. Was that the change in momentum Bach needed to pick up another victory over the Hardcore Assassin, or will Peak get the decisive win he's been looking for, over the would-be giant killer?

Joshua Taylor w/Tracy Brendon vs. Bryan VesseyTracy Brendon went to TCW officials to set up this match, feeling that this is just the opportunity her husband needs to take his career to the next level. Bryan Vessey is in an even meaner mood than usual, though, after being made to say "I Quit" last month. Is this the night that Joshua Taylor takes the next step, or will the veteran Vessey slam the door shut?

Danny Fonzarelli & Koshiro Ino vs. The Canadian Animals (Freddy Huggins & Edd Stone) w/Laura Huggins & VitaDanny Fonzarelli came in as Joshua Taylor's partner last month, to defeat The Canadian Animals. Taking exception, the Animals challenged Fonz to find a new partner - if he even could - for a rematch. To probably everyone's surprise, the Japanese powerhouse, Koshiro Ino, answered the call. Can Fonzarelli & The Kobra make their unlikely pairing gel, or with The Canadian Animals throw a wrench into their works?

The Pacific Connection (Giant Tana & Chance Fortune) vs. The Machines (John Anderson & Brent Hill)Coming together just a few weeks ago, with Aaron Andrews' blessing, The Pacific Connection scored an early victory over The Machines in 6-man action. Coming off their loss in last month's dream match with The Concept, this set The Machines off, and they are hellbent on erasing that blemish from their record, and proving that they still are the team that dominated so much of the past five years. Will The Machines reassert themselves here, or will the uncanny natural chemistry of the Pacific Connection carry the day?

World Heavyweight Championship
Ricky Dale Johnson vs. Wolf Hawkins (c)Just can't see the belt coming off of Hawkins till you have made your decision on the next top babyface

International ChampionshipAaron Andrews (c) vs. Troy TornadoAnd until you have the top of the card settled, doing something with Andrews doesn't make a lot of sense

World Tag Team ChampionshipThe Concept (Benny Benson & Greg Black) vs. Texas Buffalo (Texas Pete & American Buffalo) (c) w/Floyd GoldworthyThis is where it makes sense to make a move with some belts, for the sake of "change"

No DisqualificationJoey Minnesota vs. Rick LawLets keep running through those top babyfaces for Hawkins. This is the next person on the totem pole. Line 'em up for the Wolf

The Pacific Connection (Giant Tana & Chance Fortune) vs. The Machines (John Anderson & Brent Hill)You didn't put this new team together for them to just break right back apart, but I'm not betting against the vets here. Growing pains, they are in order

Brandon Morrison - Chief of Staff and Forum Attaché to the Grand Chancellor

The War To Settle The Score
Sunday, Week 4, February 2013
Manhattan National Center
Attendance: 30,000 (sellout)

Pre-Show

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Twin Gauge defeated Jacob Jett and KC Glenn in 7:55 when Matt Gauge defeated KC Glenn by submission with a Proton Lock.59

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Genghis Rahn defeated Harry Allen in 7:55 by pinfall with a Rahn To The Hills.63

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The New Wave defeated C-V-2 in 7:34 when Scout defeated Casey Valentine by submission with a Special Force.78

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Joel Bryant and Jay Chord defeated Flying Jimmy Foxx and Edward Cornell in 7:44 when Joel Bryant defeated Edward Cornell by pinfall with an One Shot Drop.64

The Animals wisely stay away from Ino as much as possible, and while Fonz can hold his own with crazy antics, and enjoys a considerable size advantage over both Huggins and Stone, he can't overcome the numbers game on his own. The Kobra plays it by the rules, not getting involved, but when the Animals try to extend their trickery to include him, Ino shows that he's nobody's fool. Once Ino enters the match, it's game over.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Danny Fonzarelli and Koshiro Ino defeated The Canadian Animals in 7:59 when Koshiro Ino defeated Freddy Huggins by pinfall with a Kobra's Bite.83

International Championship
Aaron Andrews (c) vs. Troy Tornado

A match that had a little of everything, as the athletic, young all-arounder champion faced a man who fit that description exactly, a few years earlier. Tornado's style has toned down to take fewer chances, replacing that reckless abandon with a killer instinct for questionable tactics. That push-pull played out for over 10 minutes, going step-for-step, before Troy Tornado created just enough of an opening to score with the Star Maker, and become a 2-time International Champion.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Troy Tornado defeated Aaron Andrews in 12:02 by pinfall with a Star Maker.
Troy Tornado wins the TCW International title.78

Pacific Connection have quickly made their mark through an uncanny natural chemistry, and that was again on display in this contest, but the finely-tuned Machines were simply not going to be denied.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The Machines defeated The Pacific Connection in 8:09 when Brent Hill defeated Giant Tana by pinfall with a King Of The Hill.86

Sammy Bach vs. Eddie Peak

Sammy Bach had no interest in reliving last month's slow dissection of his person, even though he walked away (barely) with the victory in that match. Here, he pushed the pace, kept Peak off balance, and took the fight right to the Hardcore Assassin. That momentum also gave Peak the opportunity to make Bach go splat, and he certainly didn't hesitate to do so. Late in the match, Bach was given an opportunity to put Peak away, after the latter at steel on the ring steps, but Peak's power proved enough to overcome the adversity, and finally get the victory over Sammy Bach that he so craved.

In a match that featured great action and average heat, Eddie Peak defeated Sammy Bach in 8:58 by pinfall with a Peak of Perfection.80

A size mismatch, to be sure, but as noted by Kyle Rhodes on commentary, The Concept's previous home gave them ample experience fighting against lumbering giants. They put that to good use, avoiding the mistake that Sammy Bach made in the last match, of only going full speed, all the time, instead mixing fast and slow, in the air and on the ground, to keep Texas Buffalo off balance. The monstrous Tag champs were still able to impose their will at times, though, and the match looked like it could go either way, when Floyd Goldworthy picked his opportune moment to tip the balance in his favour, looking to create a repeat of last month's title defence. This time, though, Greg Black showed his impeccable timing that served The Concept so well against The Machines, coming through at the moment of truth, and hooking up with Benny Benson for their patented tandem strike, and crowning our second new champions of the evening.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, The Concept defeated Texas Buffalo in 10:09 when Benny Benson defeated American Buffalo by pinfall with a Game Over. The Concept win the TCW World Tag Team titles.82

Joshua Taylor w/Tracy Brendon vs. Bryan Vessey

Two men who made their mark in the intense arena of puroresu took it to each other on their feet and on the mat in a way that few in the American scene can. Joshua Taylor came into this match looking to take his career to the next level, and with the performance he put on, he may have accomplished just that, but on this night, it wasn't enough for victory. Bryan Vessey defends the gate, putting all challengers on notice.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Bryan Vessey defeated Joshua Taylor in 8:44 by pinfall with a Vessey Driver.86

No Disqualification
Joey Minnesota vs. Rick Law

To the surprise of nobody, this was a brawl from start to finish, and went all over the arena. Rick Law's famously devastating right hand was his weapon of choice, while Minnesota demonstrated great vision for his environment, and how to make the most of any situation. The match eventually made it back to the ring, where it had to end, and perhaps inevitably, Rick Law turned to his trusty handcuffs. He snapped them around Minnesota's wrist, and dragged his stunned foe to the bottom rope, but just before getting the cuffs around it, Minnesota, picked an ankle, grabbed the other end of the handcuffs, and closed them around Rick Law's right wrist, neutralizing his two most deadly weapons at once. Soon after, an Empire Spiral put the Law down for good.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Joey Minnesota defeated Rick Law in 12:58 by pinfall with an Empire Spiral.83

Rhodes interviews The Syndicate about their matches tonight. Wolf Hawkins is supremely confident, in taking on his mentor's long-standing rival, and promises a clean sweep by The Syndicate, not only because of their unmatched abilities, but because their unity transcends anything anyone can throw at them.

Cornell lets his protege finish, and while he echoes his confidence, there is one thing he needs to add... or maybe subtract. This past week, Joey Minnesota said something that hit home, implying that Tommy Cornell needs help to win matches. TOMMY. CORNELL. He's faced the best, beaten them all, and doesn't need any help to do it. Tonight, he wants Wolf Hawkins to stay in the back for his match, to remind the world who Tommy Cornell really is.

76

Rocky Golden vs. Tommy Cornell

True to his word, Cornell came to the ring alone, and Golden & he settled in for the long haul. Just because he was on his own doesn't mean Cornell played fair, though, as he's not afraid to bend the rules, and use the referee's leniency for all it's worth. They were well on their way to another terrific match in their history when a man (eventually identified as Jay Chord) snuck in from the crowd, crouched to hide beside the ring, and delivered a shot to the back of Rocky Golden as he ran the ropes. Golden stumbled straight into a small package from the dazed Tommy Cornell, and stayed down for the three. Chord slipped away, seemingly unseen by Cornell.

In a match that had excellent in-ring action and a good crowd, Tommy Cornell defeated Rocky Golden in 12:39 by pinfall.83

World Heavyweight Championship
Ricky Dale Johnson vs. Wolf Hawkins

While not the most gifted man on the mat, RDJ has always been able to deliver a big match feel, and in his first challenge against the young, first-time champion, this was no different. Hawkins clearly wanted to not just beat the veteran, but make a statement, and this lead him to try going bigger and more spectacular than he otherwise might. RDJ, being perfectly comfortable in these main event situations, was ready to capitalize on any mistake, big or small. TCW's long-time leader looked to be closing in on victory, on a night that had already proven to be a bad one for defending champions, when Jay Chord again appeared, this time making no secret of his presence, jumping onto the apron, luring RDJ over, and dropping to the floor to argue with the referee. All this allowed Wolf Hawkins to retrieve the World Championship, and plant it right between the eyes of RDJ. Tossing the belt aside, Chord released the referee in time to see Hawkins connect with a Full Moon Rising, to retain. Chord joined Hawkins in the ring to celebrate, and Jason Azaria's final words on commentary were about Rip Chord's son seemingly joining a reborn Syndicate.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Wolf Hawkins defeated Ricky Dale Johnson in 23:08 by pinfall with a Full Moon Rising. Wolf Hawkins makes defence number 5 of his TCW World Heavyweight title.84

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Eddie Peak and Genghis Rahn defeated KC Glenn and Edward Cornell in 7:31 when Eddie Peak defeated KC Glenn by pinfall with a Peak Of The Devil.62

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, The Pacific Connection defeated Twin Gauge in 7:57 when Chance Fortune defeated Greg Gauge by pinfall with a Stroke of Luck.67

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Bryan Vessey defeated Harry Allen in 7:32 by pinfall with a Vessey Plex.70

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All Action Championship
Flying Jimmy Foxx (c) vs. Jacob Jett

Coming off an impressive first victory in TCW, Jacob Jett had another opportunity at the All Action title, but just like their first encounter, he controlled the action through a combination of aerial maneuvers and grounded holds, only to see it slip away when Flying Jimmy Foxx go a big comeback.

In a match that had some good action but non-existent crowd heat, Flying Jimmy Foxx defeated Jacob Jett in 7:28 by pinfall with a Flying Foxx. Flying Jimmy Foxx makes defence number 7 of his TCW All Action title.59

Joel Bryant vs. Rick Law

Bryant gave Law an intense fight, but fuelled by his loss to Joey Minnesota, Rick Law was simply not to be denied.

In a match that had some good action and average heat, Rick Law defeated Joel Bryant in 7:31 by pinfall with a Long Arm Of The Law.72

C-V-2 used hit-and-run tactics to lure Andrews into making a mistake, then settled in to go to work on the former-International champion. When Joshua Taylor got the tag, he showed that the fight he put up against Bryan Vessey - still very much on the lips of fans and commentators - was no fluke, as he blew the match wide open. With the double-teaming neutralized, Taylor brought Andrews back in for the big finish.

In a match that had some good action but not much in the way of heat, Aaron Andrews and Joshua Taylor defeated C-V-2 in 8:13 when Aaron Andrews defeated Casey Valentine by pinfall with a Flying Body Press.69

Tornado wasn't enthused about his partners, but they won him over by dive bombing Ino, and hand-delivering his prone form to the new International Champion. Ino eventually fought free to tag in Fonzarelli, who ran through the Animals, only to get taken out by Tornado. Fonz was able to weather the storm and get to Golden, who cleaned the Animals out, and tagged in an eager Ino for a final showdown with Tornado. Troy Tornado wasn't interested in celebrating his title victory that way, and tagged himself out to a dazed Edd Stone, leaving him to his fate.

In a bout that featured great action and average heat, Rocky Golden, Koshiro Ino and Danny Fonzarelli defeated Troy Tornado and The Canadian Animals in 8:35 when Koshiro Ino defeated Edd Stone by pinfall with a Kobra's Bite.80

With the victory secured, Koshiro Ino called to a departing Tornado, and yelled something in Japanese to him. Rocky Golden took the microphone, and said that his friend wants to face Troy Tornado for the International Championship. The last time they went one-on-one, Tornado barely escaped by the skin of his teeth, and Ino doesn't think the new champion has enough luck in his body to do it a second time. Tornado had looked back to hear this, but left without any reply.

Backstage, Tommy Cornell and Wolf Hawkins are standing with the man who aided both of them in securing victory, at The War To Settle The Score. Cornell wants to know what's going on, because he clearly said that he wanted to do it on his own. Hawkins replies that The Syndicate followed Cornell's lead for years, but now that Wolf is the World Champion, he's in charge. He's decided to rebuild The Syndicate to its past glory, and the first step in that is recruiting wrestling's greatest son, Jay Chord. With a big smile, Chord offers Cornell a handshake, but is left hanging, as Cornell slowly walks away. As the scene fades, Hawkins says not to worry; he'll come around.

Another episode in the rivalry that has defined the tag division in TCW for a half decade, both teams took their time, careful not to make the first mistake. After letting Scout take the lead on the mat, Guide tried to up the tempo, but John Anderson was on the spot with a key cut-off that put The Machines in the driver's seat for the long haul. The New Wave battled back, and both teams seemingly pulled out everything from their greatest hits package, leading Shawn Doakes to remark that of all the times we've seen these two teams go to war, this may be the most epic struggle we've witnessed. In the end, John Anderson demonstrated why he's been called "the human arsenal", having one more bullet in the chamber, for the final showdown.

In a bout that featured great action but not much in the way of heat, The Machines defeated The New Wave in 17:38 when John Anderson defeated Scout by pinfall with an Ammo Dump.83

With The Machines being crowned the new #1 contenders, Kyle Rhodes interviews the new World Tag Team Champions, The Concept. Greg Black says that he debuted in TCW against The Machines, and people called it a dream match, years in the making. He'll bet that people want to see it again - heck, HE wants to see it again - and The Concept won't disappoint. Rhodes reminds the champs that this weekend, on the debut episode of Saturday Night Showcase (right here on GNN Total Sports), they'll be putting those titles on the line against Texas Buffalo. Benny Benson isn't worried; he's not overlooking the challenge, but he's not worried. The Concept is already back in top form, and when they're at their best, there's nobody better.

We then get words from Floyd Goldworthy, flanked by the massive members of Texas Buffalo. He says that any great team can have an off night, but that it won't happen again. Texas Buffalo will expose The Concept for the flimsy puppets they are (alluding to their SWF characters), and then go on to show that Machines break just as easily as men.

With emotions running high between Hawkins & Cornell, RDJ upset with Syndicate schemes again robbing him of the World Title, and Joey Minnesota finally free to focus on the task at hand, this was a raucous affair. Jay Chord interfered to isolate RDJ, and while that seemed to go unnoticed by Cornell, when he got involved a second time, to cut off a Joey Minnesota hot tag, Cornell was visibly displeased. Wolf Hawkins got his mentor and partner back into it, though, and The Syndicate went to work. RDJ finally got a return tag, and roared into action, clearing out Hawkins, and turning to Cornell, who squared up to trade bombs with his longest-tenured nemesis. They never got the chance to settle things, though, as Jay Chord flew into the ring, and attacked RDJ, resulting in a disqualification.

In a bout that featured great action and a good crowd, Freedom Fighters defeated The Syndicate in 20:12 when Tommy Cornell was disqualified when Jay Chord ran in and attacked Ricky Dale Johnson.86

Hawkins joined Chord in the beatdown on RDJ, while Cornell stood back, dumbfounded to have lost this way. Joey Minnesota broke up the party by retrieving a chair, clearing the ring of The Syndicate. While Hawkins & Chord laughed at their job well done, a now fuming Tommy Cornell gathered a microphone, and said that the last thing he would ever need is help in dealing with Ricky Dale Johnson, a man he's beaten time and time again. He wants RDJ one-on-one, in next week's main event, and if anyone interferes, on either side, they'll have to deal with Cornell for a dose of Rough Justice. Johnson, having collected himself, doesn't waste any time in accepting the challenge.